WRECK OF THE SURPRISE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 5543, 30 July 1907, Page 4

WRECK OF THE SURPRISE.

A REMARKABLE ESCAPE. AUCKLAND, Jyly 20. Harry Jackson, the sole survivor the wreck of the scow Surprise, in relating his expreiencos, said “The Surprise, when off Slipper island on Friday night, started to drag with three anchors out. The captain ordered the crew to set tlip staysail, but immediately afterwards she struck on the south ends of the Watchman Rocks. The captain sang out “Goodbye. M That was tne last I saw of him and of the boy Frank Kelly. The scow was bumping very hard when Alf. Stewart, Edward Johnson and 1 took to the fore-rigging. Wo stayed there a little time, then came down and went aft. The ship came stern first' off the rocks and capsized. 1 lost sight of Stewart and never saw him again. Johnson and I stuck to the main rigging, after which the scow drifted midway between the Watchman Rocks and th# coast, I swam ashore, but never saw Johnson again. I am a good swimmer, but the breakers were very largo and rough. One breaker took me ashore. Others came immediately after, and smashed me on the rocks. That is how [ am so much cut and bruised. 1 was in the water five or, six hours. I climbed

half-way up the cliffs, ami then collapsed from exhaustion. 1 .stayed there the .whole Sunday, ami at night felt 111, and unable to go any further. Next 'morning, feeling a little better, VI crowded up over the cliffs, and eventually reached Mr. J. McGregor’s house, where 1 received every kindness, and was put to bed and caicfully nursed. My position on Sunday was terrible. It was a wild, stormy day. I was stuck half-way up the cliffs, with only a small singlet on, reaching my thighs. I was unable to move further. The cliffs were below me, apd high and perpendicular hills above. 1 thought I was done for. I lay there there in the storm all Sunday, and in the night the pain was so severe and unbearable that I wished I was dead. ITe weather appeared better on Monday morning, and having gained a little extra strength, I crawled along, not knowing exactly whore I was.” ‘ The steamer Onslow r visited the scene of the wreck of ( the Surprise again yesterday. Constable Brown and party searched the beaches, but could find no bodies. They secured a flag, some broken lifebuoys and a nameboard. The steamer called at Olnu and brought Harry Jackson to Tairua. He is still weak. As showing the fury of the storm dozens of crayfish and dead fish wore thrown upon the bench ; also tons of seaweed. The ship’s dog was found lying on Pawamii beach.